Clare’s cancer test appeal
Mum warns others not to miss their check-ups
A Hamilton mum who beat cervical cancer is urging other women to attend their screening appointments.
Clare Mccluskey was devastated with the shock diagnosis just before Christmas last year, after attending a routine smear test.
The 27-year-old was called for the screening in February but, having no symptoms, she put it off until November.
However, doctors identified cancerous cells and promptly called Clare – mum to Grace (3) – back for treatment.
She said: “My whole world was shattered as I was told the devastating news that I had cervical cancer. I couldn’t believe this had happened to me. The only thing keeping me strong was having my daughter needing her mummy.
“I had no symptoms and didn’t think anything was wrong. The regret lives with me every day, thinking that I could have prevented this by attending my smear test when it was due.”
Doctors used a technique known as the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) to remove the affected area within Clare’s cervix, and she was given the all-clear in February.
Clare, who will marry fiancé Kevin next year, is now hopeful of having more children.
She added: “I got the all-clear after receiving loop treatment. As my cancer was stage 1a1 and the cancer itself was very small, I was able to have this treatment.
“I would love nothing more than to put this year behind me and focus on my future, and pray that I can have more children.
“I have a six-month check-up at Hairmyres Hospital in July, and I’m hoping for everything to still be clear.
“I couldn’t have been this strong through it all without having my beautiful little girl, Grace. She kept me going on my dark days, and also my fiancé Kevin.
“I have a very big and supportive family who all helped me. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
During her treatment, Clare also found support online by messaging others with similar experiences.
Inspired by this, she has now set up a Facebook page of her own, and has also raised almost £5000 for Cancer Research UK.
As well as holding a charity night in the Columba Club in Blantyre, Clare took part in Race for Life in Glasgow and recently climbed Ben Nevis with friends and family.
She said: “I was messaging a girl from England when I was going through my treatment and she answered any questions I had. She was so supportive – that’s what gave me the idea to have a page.
“Women from all over the world now message the page. Sometimes at appointments you haven’t taken anything in and get home and have 101 questions. It’s comforting to have someone that knows nothing about you, but is in the same situation.”
She added: “I don’t think there is enough awareness for cervical cancer and young women put off having their smear tests done – me being one of these people, thinking it would never happen to me. I wish I could go back and change that, but I can’t. All I can do is hope that women out there don’t make the same mistake as me.”
Search for ‘Clare’s Cervical Cancer Awareness Page’ on Facebook.